Something Between Your Teeth? Here’s How to Get It Out!

Whether you were munching down on popcorn, chewing on beef jerky, or enjoying something else, it can be stressful when food gets stuck between the teeth and doesn’t budge. The good news is that your emergency dentist can always help with stubborn debris If you are unable to get it out on your own. Here are some steps you can take at home to help.

Use Dental Floss

Carefully use dental floss to try to dislodge the item. It can be tempting to push hard on the object to try to get it out, but you could end up pushing it beneath the gumline, worsening the issue. Remember to be gentle and don’t use too much force.

Use Your Tongue

In addition to tasting your food, your tongue can be a handy tool when it comes to dislodging food from between the teeth. However, you shouldn’t overdo it if the item isn’t budging, when you overwork your tongue, you could be putting unnecessary pressure on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), resulting in jaw pain. If your tongue just isn’t doing anything, try swishing around some water or mouthwash instead.

Don’t Use Cutlery

It might be tempting to use your fork or knife to try to remove the object. However, this is often more harmful than helpful. It is easy to accidentally cut your gums or chip your enamel. Ultimately, you should avoid using anything metal to scrape your teeth.

Use a Toothpick

Toothpicks aren’t nearly as hard or risky as using a fork, but you should still be gentle. You don’t want to harm your gum tissue or be stuck with a splinter/ Gently slide a wooden toothpick between the two teeth where the item is stuck. Push firmly and slowly to try to create space for the food to escape. Rinsing with warm water can also help this process along.

Eat a Healthy Snack

Did you know that some foods are helpful at cleaning your smile? Fibrous, crunchy fruits and vegetables can help to get rid of unwanted leftovers that are stuck between the teeth. Try munching on some carrot sticks, apple slices, celery, broccoli, or cauliflower. They can be paired with your favorite dip to make them more palatable. These high fiber fruits and veggies are like nature’s toothbrush.

See Your Dentist

If you have tried all of the techniques above and haven’t had any success, this is when you give your dentist a call. This way, they can safely remove the object and give you some results.

Having food stuck in your teeth is more than just annoying. It can be very uncomfortable or even painful. With some help from your dentist, your smile will be as good as new in just a matter of time!

About the Practice

At Rosenfeld Dental Associates, Dr. David S. Rosenfeld and Dr. Diane Song work together to treat patients in the Edison community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you have something stuck between your teeth, they would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (908) 668-7838.